The Effect of a Ten-Week Aerobic Training on Atherogenic Indices, Lipid Profile, and Body Composition in Postmenopausal Women with Type II Diabetes

Background Atherogenic indices are among risk factors of diabetes which can cause cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 10-week aerobic training on atherogenic indices, lipid profile, and body composition in women with type II diabetes. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 40 postmenopausal women with type II diabetes (aged 40 to 60 years) were selected using convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. The exercise protocol included a 10-week aerobic training [aerobic exercise and walking for 3d/wk, 45 to 60 min/d with 45 to 60% heart rate reserve (HRR)]. The atherogenic indices of non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-c), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio (LDL-c/HDL-c ratio), total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio (TC/HDL-c), lipid product index (LPA), lipid profile, and body composition were measured before and after the intervention. The obtained data were analyzed using t-test. The statistical significance criterion was set at P < 0.05. Results The results showed that the levels of TG, LDL-c/HDL-c, and TC/HDL-c significantly decreased as a result of the intervention. However, the changes of LPA, AIP, HDL-c, LDL-c, TC, non-HDL-c, and body composition indices were not significant. Conclusions Considering the results of the current study, it seems that aerobic exercise and walking with appropriate volume and intensity can affect atherogenic indices, lipid profile, and body composition in diabetic patients and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis, among these patients. Further studies are needed to achieve more accurate results.